Hickory Meadows Trail

The trail is located on the west side of Traverse City, Michigan. Parking is available at various access points around the 112.5-acre park. It's directly connected to the Hickory Hills Ski Area, which provides convenient access.

Yes, this is a multi-use trail system popular with dog walkers. Please ensure your dog is leashed and you clean up after them to maintain the trail for everyone.

The trail offers a varied experience throughout the year. It's popular for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Each season provides unique scenery, from lush meadows to snow-covered woodlands.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Hickory Meadows park or its trail system. It has been a permanent public park since 2004.

The trail features diverse terrain, winding through hills, open meadows, and woodlands. While generally considered easy, there are some hills and downhill sections. For a greater challenge, you can extend your hike with a steeper 230-foot climb to the top of Hickory Hill, which might warrant hiking boots and poles.

The main loop is approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) long and generally takes about 55 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace. This can vary depending on your speed and whether you explore additional sections or the climb to Hickory Hill.

Hikers can enjoy a variety of scenic views, including large open meadows, wooded areas with tall pines, and a small frog pond. The trail offers a sense of escape from the city, with opportunities for wildlife viewing. From the top of Hickory Hill, you can get superb views of Traverse City.

Yes, you can extend your outing by climbing to the top of Hickory Hill, which is adjacent to Hickory Meadows. There are also future plans to connect this trail system with other local trails, such as the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area via the Traverse Ridge Trail.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy and is popular with families. Its varied terrain and accessible paths make it a great option for beginners, though some sections with hills offer a bit more challenge.

The 112.5-acre Hickory Meadows park was once agricultural land, including cherry orchards and even a buffalo farm. It became a permanent public park in 2004, providing a valuable urban trail system for the community.

In winter, the trail is utilized for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Be prepared for snow and ice conditions. While generally easy, some hills can be slippery. Dress in layers and consider appropriate footwear for snowy or icy paths.